The Fiserv Small Business Index for February 2025 remained steady at 147, unchanged from January. Small business sales increased 2.1% year over year and 0.1% month over month, reflecting continued consumer spending resilience. Sector-level trends showed growth in retail and restaurant sales, while service-based businesses experienced slower growth.

Retail sales grew 1.6% year over year, with notable increases in general merchandise (+7.3%), clothing (+3.7%), and sporting goods (+3.6%). On a monthly basis, furniture and auto parts led sales growth. Restaurant sales declined 2.4% year over year despite a 5.9% increase in foot traffic, indicating a consumer shift toward lower-cost dining options. Service-sector spending grew 2.3% annually but declined 0.2% month over month, with professional services and healthcare seeing the most growth.

Regionally, North Dakota, Georgia, and South Carolina led year-over-year sales growth, while Atlanta and Miami saw the strongest gains among major cities. Monthly sales growth was highest in Dallas, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

The Fiserv Small Business Index is based on direct consumer transaction data across two million U.S. small businesses and provides insights into spending patterns across different sectors and regions.

(Source: Fiserv, Inc.)